The National Weather Service issued a snow squall warning for Clinton, Essex, Franklin, and St. Lawrence counties on Tuesday at 3:31 a.m., which was in force until 4:30 a.m.
“At 3:30 a.m., a dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from 24 miles north of North Derby to Riverview to 8 miles south of Aldrich, moving southeast at 35 mph,” according to the meteorological service. “Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes.”
Plattsburgh International Airport, Port Henry, Burlington, Keeseville, Island Pond, Burlington International Airport, Saranac Lake, Adirondack Regional Airport, Newport City, South Burlington, Vergennes, Lake Placid, Morrisville, Enosburg Falls, Orleans, Derby Center, and Charleston are among the places affected by the warning. The following roadways are included in this: Interstate 87 between mile markers 85 and 162. Between mile markers 61 and 128 on Interstate 89. Between mile markers 145 and 177 on Interstate 91.
“Think about avoiding or postponing travel until the snow squall passes your location,” the weather agency advises. If you have to travel, be especially careful and give yourself more time. Accidents may result from sloppy roads and abrupt changes in visibility. Locate the closest exit or rest area if you’re on a highway, then park securely out of traffic. Do not try to restart travel until snow squalls have passed.
Risks include whiteout situations, which are characterized by almost little visibility and are linked to severe snowfall and wind gusts that cause snow to blow. Up to 35 mph wind gusts are possible.
The snow squall guide: Preparation and caution on winter roads
What are snow squalls?
Strong cold fronts are frequently linked to snow squalls, which are severe winter weather conditions. Even in the absence of a significant winter storm, they can swiftly cover roads with snow and ice. Even while these squalls usually last less than an hour and only produce light snow accumulation, their restricted visibility, strong winds, and quickly falling temperatures can make them dangerous. Unfortunately, in the past, these circumstances have played a role in catastrophic and occasionally fatal road accidents.
What is the difference between a snow squall and a snowstorm?
The length of the event distinguishes a snowstorm from a snow squall. Typically lasting between 30 and 60 minutes, snow squalls are incredibly powerful. Days or even hours may pass during a snowfall.
Snow squall warnings
Like warnings for tornadoes or severe thunderstorms, snow squalls are quickly issued for specific locations. They provide vital, locally relevant information that can save lives. If there is a snow squall warning in your location, it is recommended to wait until the squall passes before driving.
Actions to take
When a snow squall warning is issued, people should heed the weather service’s instructions, which include the following crucial steps:
Avoid or postpone travel: It is best to wait until the snow squall has gone through your area before driving if a snow squall warning has been issued for your area. During snow squalls, roadways and highways are especially dangerous.
Decrease speed and improve visibility: If you are already traveling and won’t be able to get off the road in time, slow down and activate your headlights and hazard lights.
Keep a safe distance: Make sure there is enough space between your car and the one in front of you. In order to account for decreased vision and the possibility of unpredictable road conditions during a squall, this precaution is crucial.
Steer clear of quick braking: Sudden braking can cause a vehicle to lose control in icy and slippery conditions. To reduce the chance of sliding or producing a chain reaction crash, it is safer to reduce your speed gradually.
Winter weather safety advice: Check out the weather service’s Winter Weather Safety page for advice on how to keep safe before, during, and after winter weather.
Make sure your car is ready for winter driving by checking the tires, brakes, lights, and making sure all the fluids are at the right levels before you go. A well-maintained car is better equipped to handle the challenges of winter driving.
Essentials for your car’s emergency kit: Always keep a first-aid kit, blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, and other essentials in your car’s emergency kit. For better tire traction, add jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, ice scraper, a map, a car cell phone charger, and cat litter or sand. Should you experience an emergency or unplanned breakdown while traveling, these supplies can be quite helpful.
In conclusion, putting one’s own safety first and following the weather service’s advice can greatly reduce dangers when a snow squall warning is in effect. People can travel through these winter dangers with more assurance and security if they are aware of them, plan beforehand, and remain alert.
United Robots offers a service called Advance Local Weather Alerts that gathers the most recent information from the National Weather Service using machine learning.
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